South Chingford Spring 2020
Early on during the first lockdown in 2020, the King Lear Prizes competition was announced (so called because Shakespeare wrote "King Lear" during sporadic outbreaks of the plague in 1605 and 1606). This was open to contributions from those 70 and over, in the categories of short story, music, and poetry. This poem was my entry, based on very personal and local experiences at that time :
SOUTH
CHINGFORD SPRING 2020
The line of senior stoics moves slowly past the
trees
whose beauteous blossom white trembles gently in the
breeze.
Till eventually, bit by bit, the queue disperses in
the store,
while nearby 406 traffic thunders past with mighty
roar.
Once inside we quietly shop while warily keeping our
distance,
two metres it is, who can forget, but announcements give
assistance.
When on our daily walk, one is allowed, most roads are near deserted.
Pedestrian crossings now redundant, no crowds, just people
skirted.
To keep apart, can walk in road, weeks ago, who
knew?
just cyclists, bird-song, lovely sun, and time to
say “thank-you”.
Then in the park, more runners now, they need to
keep in trim.
Ducks on the pond still come to me, thinking “what’s
the matter with him?”
Exercise equipment covered, sports areas locked or gated,
just like for naughty children, whose toys are
confiscated.
Except for food and medical, most other shops aren’t
open,
for other things we buy online, our spirit is
unbroken!
Meanwhile, giant yellow crane on construction site
stands tall,
vertical and unmoving, signalling caution to us all.
Despite it all, some good has come, so smile and don’t despair,
new Skypers and Zoomers are appearing everywhere!
With meetings virtual now the norm for people near
and far,
never again need for so much travel, just stay where
you are!
And new hero has appeared, the wonderful Captain Tom,
whose efforts have inspired us all to boldly carry
on.
A library volunteer, I managed books and made the tea.
Now I’m suddenly aware of others willingly helping
me!
Store staff, postmen, contractors, transport, these workers
never flap,
and, of course, NHS staff and carers, all merit a
weekly clap!
At last these stalwart workers are really in full
favour,
let’s hope, in future, respect remains, it really
must not waver!
We will survive this, most of us, the lucky ones, but keep in mind
all those we’ve lost so tragically, and the grieving
left behind.
After cheering VE day, life begins to return again,
let’s hope some peace enjoyed, kindness, and
goodwill will remain.
And as the giant yellow crane moves, like a signal turning
green,
we’ll slowly and uncertainly emerge to a different
world never seen.
Richard A. Ashen
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